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Social Media for Social Change

Habitat for Humanity’s first “Social Media Circle,” a gathering of bloggers and social media enthusiasts with a heart for social change.

What is social media to you?

Posting selfies? Sharing throwbacks? Chatting with friends?

There’s definitely more to social media than just and Habitat for Humanity proved just that during the height of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last November. When the typhoon hit, help was needed immediately. Thousands of families were devastated and there was no time to waste. With the urgency of the problem and the need to disseminate information fast, Habitat turned to social media for an answer.

In a few days word about Habitat’s Yolanda response was all over social media; bloggers, celebrities, and other willing individuals readily stepped-up to help spread the word and rally for donations. With millions in donations coming in, Habitat quickly went to work distributing emergency Shelter Repair Kits across affected areas. In the weeks and months that followed, social media support continued.

Habitat Goes Social

Last August 11, Habitat acknowledges the power of social media for social change. In its effort to maximize social media to help reach more people with its mission, Habitat held its first “Social Media Circle”, a gathering of bloggers and social media enthusiasts with a heart for social change; the event is also Habitat’s way of honoring its online supporters. The said event happened at Coffee Bean and Tea Life in Century Mall in Makati City.

Habitat hopes to inspire these people to continue supporting Habitat’s work in their own way and through their own network of influence. With the undeniable power and vast reach of social media, Habitat is excited at the prospect of engaging more volunteers, donors, and advocates through this support group.

Philippines CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco and GMA 7 host Kuya Tonipet Gaba gave a short talk about the advocacy and activities of Habitat.

By signing Habitat’s Pledge of Commitment willing bloggers and guests were tagged “Habitat Online Champion” a title reserved for those who are up for the challenge and journey of using their influence and network to spread the word about Habitat, its programs, and advocacies.

Regular “Social Media Circle” gathering will be held to share news and updates with these Online Champions.

One of the bloggers who received a certificate of appreciation from Habitat for supporting the organization’s cause through social media campaigns.

You too can help! Spread the word on Social Media. Help Habitat reach millions through social media with the work that we do! Publicize your personal support to Habitat and encourage your peers, fans, and social media followers to do the same. You may also regularly promote Habitat and its work in appropriate social media channels.

Habitat will provide you with regular updates about our programs, campaigns, and other events. We will share stories, news, and photos you may post and share on your own social media channels.

Be a Volunteer! Get a first-hand experience of how it is to build a house at a Habitat community. Volunteer to join a Habitat Build and work side-by-side with other volunteers and homeowners and be a part of bringing hope to families. Habitat also offers other volunteering opportunities. Log on to www.habitat.org.ph and fill out the Volunteer Registration Form.

Help us Fundraise (www.give2habitat.org). Help Habitat raise funds to build more homes for families in need of decent shelter. Simply visit www.give2habitat.org and sign-up to begin your own online fundraising page. You can be as creative with your page as possible by posting photos, videos, and shout-outs.

Through your own give2habitat fundraising page you can easily ask your social media networks to send in their donations to Habitat online via their credit card or paypal account. Donations are automatically posted and updated on your page regularly to help you monitor how much you have raised.